Love Me To Madness | Series #1

Chapter 34: A Taste of Forever

Y/N POV

After finishing my reading, the inviting aroma of something delicious pulled me toward the kitchen.

As I entered, I spotted Jinhoo and Olivia chatting quietly while Jungkook stood by the stove, wearing an apron. His sleeves were rolled up, and he was deeply focused on stirring something in a pot.

He looked so calm and warm in that moment.

"I'm making lunch, baby," Jungkook said with a grin when he noticed me.

"That's great, Kookie. I hope Grandma and Grandpa will love it," I said, smiling back at him.

He smiled gently before turning back to the pot, humming softly.

"I didn't expect him to be so kind," Olivia whispered.

"Why?" I asked.

"Well... the media," she and Jinhoo admitted, exchanging uncertain glances.

I sighed. "He's not what they say. He's kind. He's gentle with the people he loves."

They nodded, still watching him as he carefully added more seasoning.

Twenty minutes later, the table was set.

Jungkook brought the food over, and Grandma and Grandpa joined us just in time.

"So, what is this dish?" Grandpa asked, serving himself.

"Chicken afritada—a Filipino stew," Jungkook replied, taking the seat beside me.

"Oh, Filipino food! I haven't had this in years," Grandma said excitedly.

As we all dug in, the only sound was the clinking of utensils.

"This is really good," Grandpa said, nodding in approval.

"I think you're a great match for our granddaughter," he added with a playful chuckle.

Jungkook laughed softly. "Thank you, sir."

"You should open a restaurant," Grandma suggested with a smile.

He shook his head gently. "I'm not really good with business. I just like cooking for the people I care about."

Lunch ended on a calm and happy note.

Later, Jungkook and I curled up on the couch. He lay with his head on my lap, lightly tracing shapes on my arm with his fingers.

"Your fingers are missing something," he murmured.

"Huh?"

"A wedding ring," he said, placing a soft kiss on my hand. "Someday."

I blushed. "You're being cheesy."

"I mean it, baby. When you're ready," he replied gently. "No pressure."

I looked down at him. His eyes were sincere.

"I've been thinking," he continued, "about our future. A quiet life. Maybe one day... a child."

I chuckled softly. "You're really thinking far ahead, huh?"

He smiled. "Just dreaming. A little girl with your smile would make the world feel right."

He sat up, his eyes still gentle. "But there's no rush, baby. Whenever you're ready—for anything."

I nodded, touched by his patience. "Thank you."

He pulled me into a hug, holding me close.

"No chaos. No drama. I just want peace with you," he murmured. "A home where you feel safe."

"You already make me feel safe," I said, stroking his hair.

He relaxed in my arms, breathing in my scent.

"I love you so much," he whispered.

"I love you too," I replied, knowing this kind of love—the patient, healing kind—was exactly what I needed.

⸻

By late afternoon, soft rain began to tap against the windows.

Jungkook peeked out and smiled. "Want to take a walk with me under the rain?"

I gave him a look. "Are you serious?"

He held up two umbrellas. "I'm prepared."

We walked down the street near the house, umbrellas in hand. It was quiet, the rain adding a soft rhythm to our steps. He didn't talk much, just occasionally squeezed my hand.

"This is nice," I whispered.

"I know," he replied. "No cameras. No pressure. Just you and me."

Halfway through, he stopped by a little store and got us hot chocolate.

We stood under a small roof, sipping in silence. He brushed some raindrops off my cheek.

"I want days like this with you forever," he said.

⸻

Back home, we changed into comfy clothes. I wore one of his oversized shirts, and he didn't stop staring.

"You look too good in my clothes," he teased, wrapping a blanket around both of us on the couch.

We watched a random old movie. His head rested on mine this time.

Right before I fell asleep, he whispered,

"Even if we're old and gray, I'll still fall in love with you every day."

Thank you for reading 💖"